Mike Tyson, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Jason Alexander, Sarah Silverman, Dean Cain at 'Ante Up for Africa' Poker Tourney

July 3, 2009 by VegasNews.com

Actor Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke yesterday co-hosted the third annual Ante Up For Africa tournament (Pictured above: Phil Hellmuth and Mike Tyson - Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com).

The charity event, which is hosted on the eve of the World Series of Poker Main Event and since 2007, has raised nearly $2.5 million to build awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan, and support those who are victimized by it.

Everyone who participates in Ante Up For Africa pays a $5,000 entry fee and is encouraged to donate a portion of any winnings for the immediate benefit of ENOUGH and the International Rescue Committee. Last night’s winner – Alex Bolotin of Brooklyn, NY – donated half of his winnings. In all, the third annual Ante Up For Africa raised $362,000.

In addition to Cheadle and Duke, prominent names who participated in the event included Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Mike Tyson, Charles Barkley, Jason Alexander, Hershel Walker, Brad Garrett, Cedric the Entertainer, Jennifer Tilly, Sarah Silverman, Montel Williams, and poker greats such as Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, Phil Hellmuth, Joe Hachem, Jennifer Harman and Phil Gordon.

The Event was played at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Mike Tyson

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Matt Damon

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Ben Affleck

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Sarah Silverman

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Sarah Silverman

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Jason Alexander

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Brad Garrett

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Montel Williams and Tara Fowler Williams

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Jennifer Tilly

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Jennifer Tilly

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Tiffany Michelle

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Jennifer Harman and Marco Traniello

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Don Cheadle

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Cedric The Entertainer

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

Cedric The Entertainer

Human Nature

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